Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have always played an important role at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Take CIA’s predecessor organization, the Office of Strategic Services (OSS), for instance. Founded by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt at the outset of World War II—and in the aftermath of the Japanese attack on U.S. naval forces at Pearl Harbor—the OSS began its life as a wartime body tasked with mandates to collect and analyze strategic information and to conduct unconventional and paramilitary operations.
World War I hero, General William “Wild Bill” Donovan, helmed the pre-CIA OSS.
At its peak, OSS employed almost 13,000 people: Two-thirds of the workforce was U.S. Army and U.S. Army Air Forces personnel. Civilians made up another quarter, and the rest were from the U.S. Navy, Marines and Coast Guard. At the helm of OSS was World War I hero, General William “Wild Bill” Donovan. The story of CIA begins— and continues—alongside those of the U.S. military and its Veterans.
Today, Veterans comprise nearly 15% of CIA’s workforce, and we continue to serve alongside our military partners across the globe. CIA, the broader Intelligence Community, and the American people benefit tremendously from the insight and impact of Veterans who bring to their work a wealth of experience and knowledge. They are mission-focused from day one and equipped with the skills CIA is looking for in its officers. Veterans often come into the building with the overseas experiences, clearances and foreign languages that allow them to dive right into the action. A rich history of close collaboration between the military and CIA makes for a smooth transition from military to civilian service. While CIA is not a military body, its officers share that same commitment to mission and service. Veterans will find a familiar enthusiasm in the air at CIA headquarters in Langley, Virginia.
CIA is committed to the continued to developing relationships with Veterans, and in May of 2013, it chartered the American Veterans Employee Resource Group (AVERG) to serve as a link between the Veteran workforce and Agency leaders. The group is committed to goals that include the hiring and retention of Veterans, education and engagement on Veteran matters, continued career development and frequent community networking opportunities. AVERG offers Veterans an important link to Agency leadership—one that ensures CIA’s continued investment in Veterans and the unique perspectives they bring to an important mission.
Every day, but especially this week when we celebrate Veterans Day, CIA honors the commitment of its Veterans who continue to serve and continue the fight in defense of freedom.
Are you a Veteran interested in continuing your service with the CIA? Visit our website to learn more about transitioning from the military and CIA’s many career opportunities.
This guest post was submitted by the CIA.
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I’m interested in working for the CIA here in the Washington area, I am a retired disabled veteran of the us Army Reserves, please post or send me a link, I was medical intel and also an Intel analyst.
Really Interested in working with the CIA, but i don’t really know how to do about it
Your article was very informative. Do you suppose there are roles within the CIA that are more administrative as opposed to field agent? I know I could be an effective office manager but also know that my physical limitations might hinder my application package. Any thoughts?
V/r,
Gabe S.
2006-2012 USA
2012-2015 USAR
Disabled Veteran
Mention should be made of those active duty military assigned ( secondment ) to the CIA, NSA, Department of State, etc. I was in that situation with all three. At NSA, the person sitting at the desk next to me was a GS-11 with annual salary of $15000 or so. I was an U.S. Air Force Staff Sergeant ( E-5 ) paid about $2500 per year. My training, experience (six years plus) and background far exceeded that of the GS-11. It was required that I train that person.
Much the same experience with CIA and State! The “Govies” are reluctant to admit to the support and expertise provided by the active duty military personnel. The “Govies” also never had to perform incinerator/burn bag additional duties (detail), or weekend cleanup details, or “weeds & seeds) tasks.
Transparency is non-existent for good reason. Fairness is not an intent provided to those in secondment.
JEH
“The defense policy of the United States is based on a simple premise: The United States does not start fights. We will never be an aggressor. We maintain our strength in order to deter and defend against aggression — to preserve freedom and peace.” ― Ronald Reagan
https://www.reaganfoundation.org/media/128845/nation4.mp4
Very Interested in working with the CIA, not sure how to go about it!
This article sounds good, on its face. As a 30 year CIA (and 30 year Army Reservist) let me tell you one other side of the story. They are not always nice to Army Reserve and National Guard members. Before 9/11 they gave me a hard time any time I deployed for training or real world deployments, saying things like “what are you going to be when you grow up”, and making veiled threats about promotions that weren’t going to happen (and amazingly, didn’t). After 9/11 for a few years they were very supportive, and stopped making the stupid comments, but after a while (about 2009) they started again. By 2012 I was fighting comments in my performance ratings about “being gone so much for Army Reserve duty”. So be careful how you handle your supervisors if you want to stay in the reserves and serve at this agency..
Nice opportunity! Thanks for posting.
i have a disability and was very mislead into an idea that childrens of a war veteran deceased now… past two years, that i could receive benefits when in actuality i was told i was not. also the application that i would have been accidently filled out by me indicating that I WAS THE VETERANS WIFE! WHEN I AM THE DAUGHTER.
i feel discriminated against
How is this discrimination?
I wait still my appointment for health security.
Brad Price and Linda Price LeMoine are Jazz Musicians. We would like to volunteer our music to the veterans at least until the end of January. We play duets on clarinet and saxophone, and Brad sings classic Jazz love songs. We can give examples of our work on recordings My step father retired from the Army. My Mother was a sub contracted person who was trained by the government to clean teeth and fill teeth. The military is to be appreciated and supported always. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Why are you posting here? Are you a Veteran or spouse of a Veteran?
Iam interested
Veterans who read this and Spread my truth to other Veterans and people if a Disabled Veterans who is 100 percent service connected needs a Dentist know how to G4 implants for free because they don’t have a Dentist know how to put in Veteran Medical Centers or have a contract with Veteran Administration and if a Disabled Veterans who is 100 percent service connected doesn’t get the G4 implants from a Dentist it would cause really bad Health Problems plus it would really bad Gums Disease also it may cause Cancer……..Semper Fi Don’t Surrender.
I was contacted in Germany by a CID to transfer but could not get an extension for the background at that time. This CID caused trouble for me so I had to tell his Commander all the information he told me. His name was Jack Armstrong and he had treated other females with sexual harassment,etc. I was told by his Commander to come stateside and just stay “low” so this guy can’t find me. He threatened to “firebomb” my car.
Sorry is this spam? If you are in the military and have a security background check, and
Somehow this involves an CID investigator, you have legal rights. I suggest if this did happen you visit a JAG office and ID this investigator with is badge number.